Space2Inspire: Dr. Sian Proctor | On Air S2E16

Space2Inspire: Dr. Sian Proctor | On Air S2E16

Author: Women in Aviation International August 4, 2026 Duration: 34:33

Meet Dr. Sian Proctor
Born just after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, Sian calls herself a "celebration baby" — and that connection to space has shaped her path ever since, even when it wasn't a straight line to NASA. When NASA said no at age 39, she didn't give up. She became an analogue astronaut, kept pushing, and eventually earned her seat on Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit the Earth — becoming the first woman commercial spaceship pilot, the first Black commercial astronaut, and the first artist selected to become an astronaut.
Sian discovered art and poetry during COVID-19 as an outlet during one of the hardest periods of her life — and that creativity has become central to how she sees her role as a scientist and astronaut. Her artwork Seeker sold for $100,000, and her poem "Space2inspire" flew to space.
As founder and chief inspiration astronaut of Space2inspire, Sian is guided by her motto: "space to inspire." She uses art and media to build a J.E.D.I. space — Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive — believing that concept matters as much on Earth as it does in space. With over 25 years of experience as a geoscientist and STEAM communicator, she teaches students from age 17 to 75 and continues reaching into new frontiers — from spaceflight to art to laser cutting to augmented reality.
🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
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There's a whole world above the clouds, and the voices shaping it are more diverse than ever. The WAI On Air Podcast, from Women in Aviation International, opens the hangar doors and the boardroom doors to the people making it happen. This isn't just about the roar of engines; it's about the conversations, the problem-solving, and the personal journeys that define modern flight. You'll hear directly from pilots navigating long-haul routes, engineers designing the next generation of aircraft, and air traffic controllers managing the complex ballet of the skies. The podcast also features insights from aerospace executives and the innovators pushing technology forward. Each episode is a candid look at the challenges and triumphs experienced by women, and their allies, across every specialty. Tune in for authentic stories that go beyond the resume, offering a genuine sense of the community and the passion that fuels this dynamic industry. Whether you're a seasoned aviation professional or simply fascinated by flight, this series connects you to the human element that keeps our world moving.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 34

WAI On Air Podcast
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